Does the idea of discipling younger generations sound daunting to you? It doesn’t need to be that way. There is plenty of space in those interactions for fun and laughter.

The first time I read Deuteronomy 6, the command for the Israelites to teach their children and grandchildren to fear (revere) the Lord sounded laborious, more like hard-to-follow rules than something anyone might delight in doing. Then I read Proverbs 22:6, that tells us to “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” As I studied these texts deeper, I realized these commands can be really quite easy and pleasant to follow. The way one chooses to approach it makes all the difference.

I know a grandmother-granddaughter team that serves as a prime example of how these verses play out in the most positive way. As they sit side-by-side working on quilts, their infectious giggles fill the room with the unmistakable joy. They chat about family members, upcoming events, and long-range plans. Sometimes they talk about hairstyles or their favorite lipstick shades. Often, their conversations run into deep spiritual realms of Christian faith. The grandmother typically listens, interjecting a few wise words along the way, then allows room for her granddaughter to share her thoughts. 

Sometimes others in the group join in the conversation. We might also join in with prayer requests – along with the answers to those prayers. In this way, everyone gets to partake in witnessing how God works in and through multiple generations. What a wonderful way to disciple!

How to make this principle work for you

Now ask yourself, “How can this apply to people who don’t quilt or whose only connection to a sewing machine might be repairing one that’s broken?” The answer is to simply apply the same principles to whatever set of skills or interests you and a grandchild might share.

Having a respectful and open level of communication is the first step. Then use your powers of observation, listening, and watching for clues about their most pressing concerns, hopes, and dreams. Then, simply let the conversation flow and wait for a discipleship opportunity. Hear them express their hopes and fears. Take an appropriate opportunity to share how God has worked through your own life challenges. Testimonials carry a lot of weight.

You may be an outdoor enthusiast. Fishing, golfing, or archery with a grandchild is a natural for some. For others, a game of tennis, downhill skiing, biking along a trail, or watching a favorite sports team makes for easy conversations. Life skills are basics anyone can be taught and everyone needs to know. Show boys how to repair a bicycle. Spend time teaching a grandchild to play a musical instrument.

I’ve listened to the men in my life chatter away about life as they cut through every obstacle to fix a broken hinge. Girls also seem to enjoy flexing their fix-it genes when it means getting individualized attention from dad or grandpa. Personally, I don’t know any female who doesn’t relish this kind of positive attention.

The sense of accomplishment that comes when we put our hands and minds into intentional work is a universal human trait. Bonus: if you are successful at mastering a skill or fixing something that’s broken, you may save some bucks. Double bonus if your time working together on a project results in a talk about how God puts His hands on our broken lives and fixes our broken spirits. 

Without a doubt, the most valuable outcome of spending time with any grandchild is developing a relationship that affords you chances to share your faith and disciple them in the way God wants them to live out their lives. It’s a reckoning of Deuteronomy 6 and Proverbs 22:6. From what I have witnessed, these lessons are best conveyed when accompanied by a touch of laughter.

Scripture verses are in New International Version (NIV).